Mr. Big Sculpture

Have you ever heard of “Big Bil-Bored”? That was the controversial nickname given to the sculpture that once stood where we are now, right here at the Cermak Plaza Shopping Center. It was created by artist Nancy Rubins and installed in 1980. It quickly became a point of contention in the community. Some people loved its unique, abstract design. Others weren’t so enamored. In fact, they called it an eyesore, a “pile of trash”! This sculpture, commissioned by the plaza’s owner David Bermant, caused such a stir that it even caught the attention of local politicians. Judy Baar Topinka, a state representative at the time, received numerous complaints from residents who wanted it gone. She even went so far as to call it “the worst public relations move I have ever seen.” Despite the controversy, Mr. Bermant stood by his decision. He believed in the artistic merit of the piece. The “Big Bil-Bored” remained a fixture at the plaza for a decade. In 1990, the debate was reignited when a local referendum was held. The result? An overwhelming majority voted to remove it. But Mr. Bermant still wasn’t convinced. He felt that not enough residents had participated in the vote. He commissioned a poll of plaza shoppers. The results showed that opinions remained divided, with a slight preference for keeping the sculpture. And so, it stayed put. However, in 1993, due to concerns about the stability of the rusting metal, “Big Bil-Bored” was finally taken down. Today, a new sculpture, “Tempus Fugit,” stands in its place, a reminder of the ever-changing nature of art and public opinion.